In almost every household, you will find a packet of Kensalt- which remains an essential commodity.
Unknown to many, the Malindi-based Kensalt is owned by the Patel family whose indomitable presence has stretched in the country and across the continent.
The company, once known as Salt Manufacturers Limited, is Africa's second-largest producer of salt- proving its footprints in the market. The firm is estimated to produce an annual output of one million tonnes of the food additive.
Past media reports indicate that Kensalt control 75 percent of the salt market in Kenya and 50 percent in neighbouring country, Uganda.
Before establishing a continental presence, Kensalt had a partnership with the government through Industrial Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC) and Italian based firm; Saltec International.
The brain behind the company, Mansukh Patel was touted as a renowned industrialist who had interests in various sectors.
Properties
Mansukh owned Solai Group of Companies- which involved Kensalt Limited and Solai Coffee Estates known for production of horticultural products such as flowers, macadamia, coffee among others.
The business mogul also operated 65-hectare Enkasiri Flowers located in Thika, Supplies and Services Limited and Nairobi Ceramics. Over the years, the business magnet expanded the tentacles of the family businesses to an elevated level.
Dam Tragedy
The family was however on the spot when the Patel dam in Nakuru County burst its bank, leaving 48 people dead. The raging waters washed away surrounding villages of Milmet, Nyakinyua, Endao and Arutani.
Mansukh's son was among nine people arrested over the incident but later released by the High Court due to lack of evidence.
Demise
Mansukh died on June 28, 2021, while undergoing treatment at a local hospital in Nairobi. According to his family, he reportedly succumbed to cardiac arrest.
